Hello, I'm Ross.
I'm a senior for all those juniors that didn't know. 2012. I'm going to the University of Iowa next year. I don't write much more than i have to for school, but as the semester goes on i would like to improve my writing abilities for college. I am involved in Dodgeball club and superfans. I love most sports and I try to get out and have fun as much as possible. I'm excited for my last semester at Roosevelt and ready to improve my reading and writing skills.

Personal Reflection on Topic of Inquiry(posted January 27 -- Peer Response January 29)
As I sat down and attempted to find a topic for the assignment, I was very unsure of what I wanted to do. I talked with Mr. Johnson and came up with a topic on addictions. Many types of addictions are present in our society. One that effects many people in America is addiction to fast food. Many people eat at fast food places every day. Does that mean that you are addicted if you eat fast food? Probably not. Obesity has been a problem in America and many believe it is because of fast food. In America, it has become cheaper to eat unhealthy than to eat healthy. This creates a situation where people eat fast food a lot because they cannot afford a healthy alternative. This can lead to an addiction because of the fat content of the delicious but unhealthy foods.
S.W. I thought although your reflection is short, it seems very thought out and thorough. I am interested to see what you come up with on this topic!
Rough Draft Definition (posted February 3 -- Peer Response February 5).
The American culture has been greatly influenced by fast food. It has become an addiction and has affected many people throughout the country. This addiction to fast food can be defined as an addiction due to the lack of money, and lack of knowledge of healthy eating habits. Defining addiction and fast food and how it affects people in our everyday lives, helps us understand more about the culture we live in.
A generic definition for addiction is the feeling of wanting or needing something. In this situation, it is not a drug but more a fatty, disgusting form of lunch. This addiction can be defined as an physiological dependence of foods containing large amounts of fat. This definition is only the first part of defining addiction to fast food.
Fast food became a very large business in America since the early 1920�s. It can be defined as the process of making food for consumption and having it ready to serve quickly. To define it on a deeper level, it is processed food that is ready for eating whenever the customer orders it. The processed foods used in the franchise companies is normally very high in fat content and is unhealthy.
With the economic situation that we have in America at this time, Americans want to save money anyway possible, even when it comes to eating food. Fast food is a much cheaper dinner than the healthy, more responsible dinner. So, obesity occurs because people cannot afford a healthy dinner. Not in all cases is it like this, but fast food contains a high amount of fats and salts that are bad for your body when not consumed in moderation. From coast to coast, the country is filled with fast food that is causing addictions and obesity problems.
To understand more about the place you live in and the society as a whole, defining everyday aspects of life can help. Addictions to fast food are creating situations with obesity in America and it fully relates to the economy. While many people are struggling to pay bills and get by. Fast food provides them with a quick, easy meal that fills them up, but is unhealthy. As Americans continue to consume greasy, processed foods, addictions to fast food will become more and more present in everyday life.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Addiction. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Fast+food http://www.ehow.com/how_4747754_overcome-fast-food-addiction.html http://banzhaf.net/docs/newsci.html. http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/break-your-food-addictions
S.W.-I liked the way you are going with the economic situation in America right now it is very interesting. In your first couple paragraphs it sounds a bit repetitive, you say definition too much. I like it, it sounds great.

Revision Definition (posted February 10 -- Peer Response February 12 )
The fast food industry became influential to the American culture as early as the 1920‘s. Effecting many throughout the country and creating addictions, this addiction to fast food can be defined as an addiction due to the lack of money, and lack of knowledge of how to live a healthy life. Defining addiction and fast food and how it affects people in our everyday lives, helps us understand more about the culture we live in.
A generic definition for addiction is the feeling of wanting or needing something. In this situation, the addiction is not a drug but more a fatty, processed, disgusting form of lunch. Defined as an physiological dependence of foods containing large amounts of fat. This definition is only part of the definition of fast food.
Fast food became a very large business in America since the early 1920’s. Researchers have theories that eating fast food releases the same chemical in your brain as heroin. Fast food can be defined as the process of making food for consumption and ready to serve at a moments notice. Basically, the food being purchased has been cooked before the order has been placed. The processed foods used in the franchise companies contains very high fat content, more calories than the recommended meal, and is unhealthy for everyday consumption.
With the economic situation that we have in America at this time, Americans want to save money anyway possible, and even when it comes to eating food. Fast food is a much cheaper dinner than the healthy, more responsible dinner. So, obesity occurs because people cannot afford a healthy dinner. The recommended daily calorie intake for an adult male is 2,700. While one meal at McDonalds will provide most of that number itself. Not in all cases is it like this, but fast food contains a high amount of fats and salts that are bad for your body when not consumed in moderation. Our country, filled with fast food restaurants, has a problem with obesity and addictions related to the fast food industry.
To understand more about the place you live in and the society as a whole, defining everyday aspects of life can help. Addictions to fast food are creating situations with obesity in America and it fully relates to the economy. While many people are struggling to pay bills and get by. Fast food provides them with a quick, easy meal that fills them up, while overloading them calories and creating a situation of unhealthy living. As Americans continue to consume greasy, processed foods, addictions to fast food will become more and more present in everyday life.
S.W.- I liked how you used McDonalds in this essay. The syntax and organization is great maybe work on your word choice a little bit. Overall good.

Final Definition (posted February 17 -- Peer Response February 19 )

Please cite your sources!
The fast food industry became influential to the American culture as early as the 1920‘s. Effecting many throughout the country and creating addictions, this addiction to fast food can be defined as an addiction due to the lack of money, and lack of knowledge of how to live a healthy life. Defining addiction and fast food and how it affects people in our everyday lives, helps us understand more about the culture we live in.
A generic definition for addiction is the feeling of wanting or needing something. In this situation, the addiction is not a drug but more a fatty, processed, and disgusting form of lunch. This addiction is harmful to the human body and can lead to obesity and other health problems such as heart disease. This definition is only part of the definition of fast food addictions.
Fast food, an industry striving in America, can be found on many main streets all over the country. Researchers have theories that eating fast food releases the same chemical in your brain as heroin. Fast food can be defined as the process of making food for consumption and ready to serve at a moments notice. Basically, the food being purchased has been cooked before the order has been placed. Sitting in fatty oils to keep it warm, the food is then served when needed. Addiction to fast food can be defined as a physiological dependence of foods containing large amounts of fat. The processed foods used in the franchise companies contains very high fat content, more calories than the recommended meal, and is unhealthy for everyday consumption.
With the economic situation that we have in America at this time, Americans want to save money anyway possible, and even when it comes to eating food. Fast food is a much cheaper dinner than the healthy, more responsible alternative. So, obesity occurs because people cannot afford a healthy dinner. The recommended daily calorie intake for an adult male is 2,700. While one meal at McDonalds will provide most of that number itself. Not in all cases is it like this, but fast food contains a high amount of fats and salts that are bad for your body when not consumed in moderation. Our country, filled with fast food restaurants, has a problem with obesity and addictions related to the fast food industry.
To understand more about the place you live in and the society as a whole, defining everyday aspects of life can help. Addictions to fast food are creating situations with obesity in America and it fully relates to the economy. While many people are struggling to pay bills and get by. Fast food provides them with a quick, easy meal that fills them up, while overloading them with calories and creating a situation of unhealthy eating habits. As Americans continue to consume greasy, processed foods, addictions to fast food will become more and more present in everyday life.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Addiction. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Fast+food http://www.ehow.com/how_4747754_overcome-fast-food-addiction.html http://banzhaf.net/docs/newsci.html. http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/break-your-food-addictions
S.W.- I like how you changed the second paragraph. The imagery is great.
Reflection #1 (posted February 20 -- Peer Response February 22)
This assignment really helped me learn how to define words on a deeper level. I enjoyed going through the process of defining everything to the last detail. It really helped me realize that most of our writing can be defined more than normally done so. I enjoyed writing about my topoc and look forrward to doing more with it in the future.
Rough Draft Comparison (postedFebruary 24 -- Peer Response February 26 )
Healthy eating, compared to constant consumption of fast food, can influence a life in many ways. Obesity problems are more common than ever in today’s society. Fast food has contributed to problems with obesity, addictions, and miscellaneous health issues. In comparison, healthy eating habits can potentially lengthen your lifespan, promote exercise, and help protect against diseases.
With the economy in America, times are hard on people across the country. In this current recession, eating healthy can be too much of an economic burden. These people are forced to eat fast food, or cheap microwave meals. This situation is contributing to obesity and health problems in our country.
Eating healthy, while maybe expensive, can improve your life. It may contribute to loosing weight and make you more self-confident. With healthy alternatives offered at most grocery stores, purchasing healthy foods is becoming easier. Studies have shown that people who eat healthier, are more apt to exercise on a regular basis.
Consumption of fast food is an everyday option in our country. With tons of locations across the country, many workers and students eat at these establishments because of the quickness that is necessary during a lunch hour. This creates a situation where a person may eat fast food everyday during the week. As these types of unhealthy eating habits continue, laziness, addictions, and health problems pursue. This reason alone has contributed to problems related to food consumption.
Eating healthy may not always mean eating salads and small portions. Eating healthy can simply be using less salt and including less fatty meats. Different cooking techniques can also be included to decrease fat intake. This can lead to an improvement in everyday life. Healthy eating can prevent future health problems and potentially lengthen your lifespan.
Unhealthy living habits have contributed to some problems in American society. Obesity, addictions, and health problems have a direct correlation with constant fast food consumption. Eating more healthy alternatives can lead to a better life. In comparison to the opposite, eating healthy only improves your life and doesn’t always result in health problems. Unhealthy alternatives are just as present in American life as organic and healthy alternatives. Although more expensive, quality food is better for your health. To most people, money isn’t as important as their lives.
S.W.- It sounds really good. I like how you compared healthy eating with eating fast food. The facts are very interesting but perhaps work on your sentence structures. Organize the essay a little bit. Overall good.
Revision Comparison (posted March 2 -- Peer Response March 4)
Healthy eating, compared to constant consumption of fast food, can influence a life in many ways. Obesity problems are more common than ever in today’s society. Fast food has contributed to problems with obesity, addictions, and miscellaneous health issues. In comparison, healthy eating habits can potentially lengthen your lifespan, promote exercise, and help protect against diseases.
With the economy in America, times are hard on people across the country. In this current recession, eating healthy can be too much of an economic burden. These people are forced to eat fast food, or cheap microwave meals. This situation is contributing to obesity and health problems in our country.
Eating healthy, while maybe expensive, can improve your life. It may contribute to loosing weight and make you more self-confident. With healthy alternatives offered at most grocery stores, purchasing healthy foods is becoming easier. Studies have shown that people who eat healthier, are more apt to exercise on a regular basis.
Consumption of fast food is an everyday option in our country. With tons of locations across the country, many workers and students eat at these establishments. Quick meals are necessary during a lunch hour. This creates a situation where a person may eat fast food everyday during the week. As these types of unhealthy eating habits continue, laziness, addictions, and health problems pursue. This reason alone has contributed to problems related to food consumption.
Eating healthy may not always mean eating salads and small portions. Eating healthy can simply be using less salt and including less fatty meats. Different cooking techniques can also be included to decrease fat intake. This can lead to an improvement in everyday life. Unhealthy foods contain fats, salts, and sugars. Healthier foods contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Healthy eating can prevent future health problems and potentially lengthen your lifespan.
Unhealthy living habits have contributed to some problems in American society. Obesity, addictions, and health problems have a direct correlation with constant fast food consumption. Eating more healthy alternatives can lead to a better life. In comparison to the opposite, eating healthy only improves your life and doesn’t always result in health problems. Unhealthy alternatives are just as present in American life as organic and healthy alternatives. Although more expensive, quality food is better for your health. To most people, money isn’t as important as their lives.
__http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/break-your-food-addictions__

__http://www.livestrong.com/article/294080-healthy-unhealthy-eating-habits/__

S.W. I thought it was very good. Well written and organized. Make sure you spell check everything then it sounds great.

Final Comparison (posted March 9 -- Peer Response March 11)
Healthy eating, compared to constant consumption of fast food, can influence a life in many ways. Obesity problems are more common than ever in today’s society. Fast food has contributed to problems with obesity, addictions, and miscellaneous health issues. In comparison, healthy eating habits can potentially lengthen your lifespan, promote exercise, and help protect against diseases.
With the economy in America, times are hard on people across the country. In this current recession, eating healthy can be too much of an economic burden. These people are forced to eat fast food, or cheap microwave meals. This situation is contributing to obesity and health problems in our country.
Eating healthy, while maybe expensive, can improve your life. It may contribute to loosing weight and making you more self-confident. With healthy alternatives offered at most grocery stores, purchasing healthy foods is becoming easier. Eating these alternatives will potentially lengthen your lifespan, protect against diseases, and promote exercise. Studies have shown that people who eat healthier, are more apt to exercise on a regular basis.
Consumption of fast food is an everyday option in our country. With tons of locations across the country, many workers and students eat at these establishments. Quick meals are necessary during a lunch hour. Fast food comes in handy in these short lunch hour situations. A very low percentage of restaurants serve healthy food fast enough for the average lunch hour. This creates a situation where a person may eat fast food everyday during the week. As these types of unhealthy eating habits continue, laziness, addictions, and health problems pursue. This reason alone has contributed to problems related to food consumption.
Eating healthy may not always mean eating salads and small portions. Eating healthy can simply be using less salt and including less fatty meats. Different cooking techniques can also be included to decrease fat intake. Grilling fresh chicken, compared to frying it, will lower the amount of calories. Cooking your own food and using alternative ways of cooking will be better for your health. This can lead to an improvement in everyday life. Unhealthy foods contain fats, salts, and sugars. Healthier foods contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Healthy eating can prevent future health problems and potentially lengthen your lifespan.
Unhealthy living habits have contributed to some problems in American society. Obesity, addictions, and health problems have a direct correlation with constant fast food consumption. Eating more healthy alternatives can lead to a better life. In comparison to the opposite, eating healthy only improves your life and doesn’t always result in health problems. Unhealthy alternatives are just as present in American life as organic and healthy alternatives. Although more expensive, quality food is better for your health. To most people, money isn’t as important as their lives.
__http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/break-your-food-addictions__

__http://www.livestrong.com/article/294080-healthy-unhealthy-eating-habits/__



Reflection #2 (posted March 16 -- Peer Response March 25)
As the semester is moving on, i have really felt like my writing abilities have improved through frqs and the wikispace projects. The writings are easy to relate to and it has really been a helpful tool for me. As the AP test comes nearer im ready to take the test and get a good score. The writing work this year has helped prepare me for the test and the following years in college.
Rough Draft Argument (posted April 6 -- Peer Response April 8)
In the early 1900’s in America, citizens were all affected by the prohibition. It caused a huge situation with homemade alcohol and smuggling alcohol. Since then, the prohibition has been lifted and Americans are back to drinking. The drinking age was also raised to 21 and this caused situations with underage drinking. Death and disease have occurred with the consistent use of alcohol. For these reasons and more, a prohibition should once again be raised in America.
After the drinking age was raised, many 18-21 year old adults were forced to drink illegally. Not thinking about this responsibly became a problem and young adults were binge drinking on a weekly basis. Not only is this bad for your health, it is also the start of alcoholic tendencies. Underage drinking problems are baised off binge drinking, the start towards becoming an alcoholic, and are unhealthy for a growing brain.
Many deaths have been caused because of alcohol consumption. 24,518 alcohol-induced deaths have occurred in America (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alcohol.htm). This is a situation that doesn’t need to happen in our country. Alcohol, while widely consumed by many from as young as high school, to senior citizens, has became a problem with responsible usage.
Alcohol is digested through the liver. When inducing more than suggested amounts of alcohol, this can cause problems in the liver and other areas of the body. Pregnant women who drink can potentially ruin the life of the soon-to-be baby. Deaths have reached a level of 15,183 deaths due to liver disease (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alcohol.htm). This is a situation that is terrible for society and is ruining lives consistently. This number is always growing and never current.
Underage drinking, binge drinking, alcohol related deaths, and diseases caused from alcohol consumption have harmed Americans since prohibition. Changing our ways will lessen the likelihood of harming a fetus in the womb, stop harming young minds that are still developing, and lower the amounts of deaths due to liver disease and liver cancer. This prohibition will be better defended by the police and alcohol will become illegal to possess. After many years, Americans will realize that alcohol is a drug just like many others that are harmful and illegal.
Revision Argument (posted April 13 -- Peer Response April 15)
In the early 1900’s in America, citizens were all affected by the prohibition. It caused a huge situation with homemade alcohol and smuggling alcohol. This was a sign that Americans depended on alcohol. Since then, the prohibition has been lifted and Americans are back to drinking. The drinking age was also raised to 21 and this created situations with underage drinking. Death and disease have occurred with the consistent use of alcohol. For these reasons and more, a prohibition should once again be raised in America.
After the drinking age was raised, many 18-20 year old adults were forced to drink illegally. Not thinking about this responsibly became a problem and young adults were binge drinking on a weekly basis. Not only is this bad for your health, it is also the start of alcoholic tendencies. As these young high school and college kids are learning, they are also out drinking on a consistent basis. This is bad for the growing brain of a young adult. Underage drinking problems are based off binge drinking, the start towards becoming an alcoholic, and are unhealthy for a growing brain.
Many deaths have been caused by alcohol consumption. 24,518 alcohol-induced deaths have occurred in America (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alcohol.htm). This is a situation that doesn’t need to happen in our country. Drinking and driving has caused many deaths and is a harm to many innocent people. Alcohol, while widely consumed by many from as young as high school, to senior citizens, has became a problem with responsible usage.
Alcohol is digested through the liver. When inducing more than suggested amounts of alcohol, this can cause problems in the liver and other areas of the body. Pregnant women who drink can potentially ruin the life of the soon-to-be baby. Deaths have reached a level of 15,183 deaths due to liver disease (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alcohol.htm). This is a situation that is terrible for society and is ruining lives consistently. This number is always growing and never current.
Underage drinking, binge drinking, alcohol related deaths, and diseases caused from alcohol consumption have harmed Americans since prohibition. Changing our ways will lessen the likelihood of harming a fetus in the womb, stop harming young minds that are still developing, and lower the amounts of deaths due to liver disease and liver cancer. This prohibition will be better defended by the police and alcohol will become illegal to possess. After many years, Americans will realize that alcohol is a drug just like many others that are harmful and illegal.

Final Argument (posted April 20 -- Peer ResponseApril 23)
In the early 1900’s in America, citizens were all affected by Prohibition. It caused a huge situation with homemade alcohol and smuggling alcohol. This was a sign that Americans depended on alcohol. Since then, the prohibition has been lifted and Americans are back to drinking. The drinking age was also raised to 21 and this created situations with underage drinking. Death and disease have occurred with the consistent use of alcohol. For these reasons and more, a prohibition on alcohol should once again be reinstated in America.

After the drinking age was raised, many 18-20 year old adults were forced to drink illegally. Some would say this is not true, but throughout the years men and women between these ages have always been able to drink. While some people may drink in moderation, young minds are not apt to do so. The affects of alcohol are what makes people drink. Young people drink because they like the feeling of intoxication. Not thinking about this responsibly, young adults started drinking on a weekly basis. Not only is this bad for the health of a person, it is also the start of alcoholic tendencies. As these young high school and college kids are learning, they are also out drinking on a consistent basis. This is bad for the growing brain of a young adult. Underage drinking problems are based off binge drinking, the start towards becoming an alcoholic, and are unhealthy for a growing brain.

Many deaths have been caused by alcohol consumption. 24,518 alcohol-induced deaths have occurred in America. This all originated from early American history. While Americans have been drinking over the years, alcohol related diseases and disorders have been discovered. Alcoholism is roughly defined as the consistent use and physiological dependence on alcohol. Young children are brought up in the same society and are influenced by family, social media, and their knowledge of alcohol. The kids see their parents drinking and having fun by the pool during the summer. Social media shows college students drinking and partying on spring break. Schools teach about alcohol in classes, but most kids are too young to actually understand the effects. Alcohol is known to affect a person’s thinking and driving as well. Drinking and driving has caused many deaths and is a harm to many innocent people. Alcohol, while widely consumed by many from as young as high school, to senior citizens, has became a problem with responsible usage.

Alcohol is digested through the liver. When consuming more than suggested amounts of alcohol, this can cause problems in the liver and other areas of the body. Changing our ways starts with the reinstatement of the prohibition on alcohol. Abstinence programs and teaching people more about alcohol are very important as well. Pregnant women who drink can potentially ruin the life of the fetus. All women that are planning on raising a child should be recommended to take a class on how to keep the fetus healthy. Drinking alcohol, doing drugs, and eating healthy will be main points of discussion. Deaths have reached a level of 15,183 deaths due to liver disease. Alcoholics will be recommended to take a treatment course and will get as much help as needed in fixing their problem. Alcohol created a situation that is terrible for society and is ruining lives consistently.

Underage drinking, binge drinking, alcohol related deaths, and diseases caused from alcohol consumption have harmed Americans since prohibition. Changing our ways will lessen the likelihood of harming a fetus in the womb, stop harming young minds that are still developing, and lower the amounts of deaths due to liver disease and liver cancer. Classes and care will be provided for anyone with alcoholism or alcoholic tendencies. This prohibition on alcohol will preserve our future and will help us continue as the most powerful country in the world. Americans that support the preservation of our future, support the new prohibition on alcohol. This prohibition will be better defended by the police and alcohol will become illegal to possess. After many years, Americans will realize that alcohol is a drug just like many others that are harmful and illegal.



Reflection #3 (posted April 23) During these last few months, this project has taught me how to write better and how to define, campare and contrast, and agrue. THis has been great for me because i need to improve my writting to prepare me for the AP test and my future next year as an Iowa Hawkeye. Im glad we did this set of assignments because it forced me to practice posting on time, even on fridays, and it has made me concentrate on time management. This was a good experience has been great and for that i thank you.